The Bridgeport Fire Department is looking for a few good men and women. And if you match their needs, you could become a member of a group tasked with protecting the health, welfare and property of Bridgeport and its residents as well as areas beyond.

 

In order to help fill two positions, the Bridgeport Fire Civil Service Commission will be accepting applications to establish a certified list from which future vacancies on the Bridgeport Fire Department will be filled. 

 

In order to be eligible to begin the process, applicants have to be not less than 18 or more than 35 years of age on the date on which the applicant applies. As for educational requirements, the applicant must possess a high school diploma or a GED.

 

There are also other basic requirements that must be met. Those applying must be U.S. citizens and have a valid vehicle’s operator’s license. However, there are also more stringent requirements. . Individuals must possess Firefighter 1 & 2 certification, Haz-mat awareness certification, a current EMT License or higher, and Emergency Vehicle Operations Course or equivalent certification. If successfully chosen for employment, that individual has the first 12 months of their employment to obtain certifications in Principle of Extrication, Hazard Materials Operation and driver/pump operator.

 

Having that makes prospective candidates eligible. After that, however, the real fun begins. Those meeting the above requirements will be asked to take part in the Candidates Physical Ability Test.

 

“This test is designed in conjunction with standards set by the International Association of Firefighters,” said Bridgeport Fire Chief Robert “Bob” Seccuro. “Primarily, it’s the same across the country with a few modifications in each state. This is where you lose most of your candidates.”

 

The testing, which will be held Dec. 13 in Clarksburg, is demanding, Seccuro said. He said it’s only about a 10-minute test, but it tests your physical limits and it helps show you can meet the demands of what is often a demanding job.

 

“One part of it involves being on a stair master for three and a half minutes with an additional 80 pounds of weight added to your body,” said Seccuro. “There are other parts that are included in the test, but you can figure out the physical ability relatively fast. Quite frankly, this is what washes most people out.”

 

Seccuro said during the last testing, the candidates didn’t fare well on this portion of the testing. He said 50 percent of those that tested could not complete it.

“It’s purposed made to be demanding to replicate the personal protection you carry or other equipment you may need to carry during an emergency situation,” said Seccuro. “It’s critical that these physical tasks can be accomplished.

 

For those that do pass, they take a written examination. From that, an interview is done with the Fire Civil Service Board. The Fire Civil Service board then ranks the candidates and the Bridgeport Fire Department offers positions based off of those rankings.

 

“Ideally, I’d like to have those two positions filled no later than the middle of January, but I realize I’m pushing the time frame,” said Seccuro. “I realize we’re two guys short right now and you can see how it creates some staffing issues, particularly with the holidays approaching.”

 

Once the hires are complete, the department will also look to fill a captain’s position and that of lieutenant. After that, staffing should be back in regular order.

 

The starting annual salary will vary based on training. For those coming in as a firefighter/ EMT, the salary is $32,698.83 and for a firefighter/paramedic the beginning annual salary is $36,430.31. The salary will increase 5 percent after successful completion of a six-month probationary period.  There are also benefits included.

Individuals looking to obtain an application can do so by contacting or visiting the Office of the Director of Personnel/HR at 515 W. Main St., Bridgeport.  Individuals can also download a complete packet at www.bridgeportwv.com.  Completed applications must be received by Nov. 26. Questions can be directed to Assistant City Manager/Dir. of Human Resources James Smith at 304-842-8217 or jimsmith@bridgeportwv.com. 

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows Chief Robert "Bob" Seccuro, left, with Police Chief John Walker, while bottom two photos show fire personnel meeting the demands of the job.